Hatton: Support local farming efforts

Community-Supported Agriculture is a concept that has been around for many years beginning abroad and coming to the United States in about 1984.

It is an agricultural concept that allows everyday people like you and me to get somewhat back in touch with the origins of wholesome food while benefitting ourselves through purchasing and eating this food.

As a member of a CSA group, one is entitled to a previously agreed-upon share of in-season, locally grown food.

This food is not necessarily but typically organically grown by local farmers.

In exchange for the purchase of a share of a CSA, the farmer agrees to produce certain crops during the growing season.

Shares are sold by the farmer prior to the growing season, thereby providing working capital and creating a known market for the soon-to-be-grown food.

The risks of farming are also shared between the farmer and the CSA members.

If conditions are such that harvests exceed the anticipated yield, the members benefit by getting more than they were promised.

Conversely, if conditions result in crop failures or less than anticipated yields, members get less than the agreed to amount.

The benefit, as I see it, is that these arrangements make it easier for farms, especially small local farms, to stay and succeed in business. We, then, benefit from the results of their work.

Last year, my wife and I participated in the first CSA that I know of in this area.

Cimarron Organics, a farm located in the River Road area, was trying this community concept for the first time.

Although some pest and other difficulties were encountered that resulted in a few disappointments, it was a success.

The farm, which is certified organic, currently grows a wide variety of produce.

Since it is grown for local consumption, plant varieties can be selected more for taste than looks and ability to be picked early and shipped for consumption by faraway consumers days later.

We were treated to great, tasty and healthy produce all summer and into fall as if we had our own garden.

As those who read my columns know, I prefer organic solutions to pest problems in the garden.

I am also aware of the many additives, pesticides and genetically modified organisms that are common and largely unidentified in today’s food supply.

When I connect the increase in the health problems of today with the changes in food production that have occurred over time in the interest of prettier, cheaper and more abundant harvests, I am happy to minimize my exposure to these when I can.

While Cimarron Organics is a family affair, Ronnie Kimbrell had the idea and was the instigator of the venture.

You can read about the history of the farm and those behind it at www.cimarronorganics.com.

If you are interested in learning about the 2013 CSA at Cimarron Organics, contact Kimbrell at cimarronorganics1@suddenlink.net or 806-383-1366 for details about the program.